BUSES

Southern Vectis runs an extensive network that takes in most of the Island. The company runs 16 separate routes, with buses meeting all the ferries at Yarmouth and Ryde. To back up this exceptional service, they have a range of tickets to match. Their flexible Rover and Freedom tickets suit the travel needs of individuals, groups and families, giving passengers unlimited travel for 1, 2, 7 and 28 days. For some of the most fantastic views around the Island, hop aboard one of their open-top tour buses. There are four tours to choose from: the Sandown Bay Tour; the Needles Tour; the Downs Tour, and (the latest addition to this service) the Medina Tour. For more information visit www.island buses.info or phone 0870 608 2 608.

TRAINS

Island Line Trains, part of Stagecoach South Western Trains, operates the eight and a half miles of passenger railway on the Island. The route servies Ryde, Smallbrook Junction (where there’s an interchange with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway), Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. The actual rolling stock is made up of old London Underground trains, which have all recently been painted London-red, just as they would have been when they were running in the capital – in fact, so authentic are the trains that the makers of the Chronicles of Narnia films have reconstructed parts of the carriages for Prince Caspian, the follow-up to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe! Trains operate from early morning (starting around 6am) until after midnight. Throughout most of the day there are two trains every hour, and the company has a range of ticket types. For information, call 01983 812591 or visit www.island-line.co.uk

ESPLANADE CAR RENTAL

If you want the freedom of getting around under your own steam, why not rent a car for a day or two? Esplanade Car Rental has a wide range of Volkswagens to suit every taste and budget. The company is situated in George Street in Ryde – just a short walk from Ryde Pier Head where the Wightlink’s FastCats moor. Call 01983 562322.

STEAM RAILWAY

If you’re a fan of train travel, the elegance of by-gone eras (or both!), then the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is an absolute must. With fantastic Victorian and Edwardian carriages pulled by grand old locomotives, the trains travel along a five and a half mile route from Wootton to Smallbrook Junction (where there’s an interchange with Island Line Trains). Tickets are valid for unlimited travel on the day of ticket issue, so you can ride as often as you wish.

BICYCLE HIRE

You can hire bicycles at a number of shops on the Island - too many to list here. However, for tips on Island cycling, and for information on Wightlife's hire shop recommendations - contact Wight Offroad (01983 730120) and Wight Cycle Hire (01983 731888).

TAXIS

There are also plenty of taxi companies on the Island - 63 at the last count. A comprehensive list can be found on the Council's website: www.iwight.com/isle_working/transport/taxis.asp.

WIGHTLINK DEALS

Wightlink have a number of money saving travel offers for foot passengers to the Island. These deals combine Stagecoach South travel from anywhere on the mainland, day return ferry crossing and travel on the Island's buses and trains. Call 0870 582 7744 and ask for information on their range of Triplelink packages or visit www.wightlink.co.uk/daytrips.

Other deals run by Wightlink:

Island Express
Day return travel from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head and travel on Island Line trains between Ryde and Shanklin.

Steam Liner
Day return travel from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head, travel on Island Line trains between Ryde and Shanklin, plus a journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Talking timetable 01983 884343.

Wight Rover
Day return travel from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head or Lymington to Yarmouth, travel on Southern Vectis buses and on Island Line trains from Ryde Pier Head to Ryde Esplanade.